December Outlook 2016

With the holiday season fast approaching, everyone’s minds invariably turn towards holiday gifts. With this in mind, check out the list of releases for December below to see if there is anything coming out this month that your significant other (or yourself!) would love to unwrap on the 25th.

The Consoles

Nintendo 2DS Pokemon Sun/Moon Console – Thursday, December 1st

To celebrate the release of the new Pokemon Sun and Moon games, Nintendo has released a specially branded Nintendo 2DS. If I didn’t already have a 3DS, I would probably grab one of these – Josh Perkins

The Games

Steep – Friday, December 2nd (PS4, XBone, PC)

Now I know a bunch of the guys from USM had an absolute ball with this game during the Beta. Sadly, due to my internet, it would have taken me until Friday the 2nd of December to download said Beta. As such, I have not had the opportunity to get into Steep. From what I have heard, it should be one hell of a game. I’ll certainly be looking to pick it up – Josh Perkins

I have played the Alpha and both Betas for Steep and have loved every second of it. Once you understand the mechanics and the controls you really can go anywhere and do anything. I have had some mad fun trying to get gold on every event and it is the first snowboarding and such game that I have just walked up a hill and enjoyed myself. Do yourself a favour and check this out as you will enjoy it. – Peter Wilkinson

There is a large hole in my heart where Tony Hawk games used to reside, hopefully, steep can ease the pain a little bit. My only request?? The ability to unlock Arnold schwarzenegger’s Mr. Freeze as a playable character. – Mathew Perkins

Rockband Rivals Band Kit – Friday, December 2nd (PS4, XBone)

I still have a full band kit for Guitar Hero on the PS3, but sadly have no PS3. Even if i did though, I can imagine me spending much time playing it. I think the band-in-the-loungeroom gimmick is a little bit old now. Not one of the games i am chasing as a stocking stuffer – Josh Perkins

I play Rocksmith now, I’m all growed up! For those who are unaware what that is, it is Guitar Hero/Rockand, except replace the plastic, fake guitar, with a real life, fully functioning electric guitar. And it is devilishly fun. – Mathew Perkins

Path of Exile: Breach Content Update – Friday, December 2nd (PC)

I can’t get enough of a good ARPG and Path of Exile is about as good as they get. There are still some glaring balance issues with specific builds and skills being so sub optimal that they are unlikely to make it to the end game or be useful if they do make it but that should encourage you to scratch and start again. And again. And again… Playing the new Breach game mode you’ll probably have a pretty good time either way though. GIVE ME GOLEMS OR GIVE ME DEATH! – Joey Hedrick

I really want to get into this game. I also really want to study quantum physics. – Mathew Perkins

Super Mario Maker 3DS – Saturday, December 3rd (3DS)

Since I don’t own a Wii U I have been waiting for this. Time to make some impossibly hard Mario levels mwahahaha. – Mitchell Townley

Dead Rising 4 – Tuesday, December 6th (XBone, PC)

The first Dead Rising was fun. A Lot of fun. I haven’t sunk any time into the series since then, except for a few hours of Dead Rising 3, which I didn’t find that enjoyable. In an industry that is currently so flooded with the zombie genre, hopefully Dead Rising 4 will be able to stand out from the crowd. If nothing else, the Collectors Edition from EB will give you a sweet-ass Snow Globe – Josh Perkins

Having played through the demo version at PAX I’ll say I’m interested but not overwhelmed. Looks like they still haven’t learnt what made the original so great but that doesn’t mean it can’t be fun. – Joey Hedrick

I haven’t played a Dead Rising game since the series started. I might give this a shot? But zombies are done to death, no pun intended. – Mathew Perkins

I’ve enjoyed all the Dead Rising games so far, although other than the first, they are nothing overly special. I still get a good laugh and enjoying mowing down some zombies. – Mitchell Townley

The Last Guardian – Wednesday, December 7th (PS4)

So, this name has been kicking around for a loooooong time. I haven’t really paid much attention to it, so can’t really say if I am interested or not. It’s nice to see it finally release though! – Josh Perkins

Hopes are not high for this release but it is the big Sony exclusive for the holiday period. I am just curious to see what everyone thinks of it and wait till it is at a bargain price or a Playstation plus freebie to play it. – Peter Wilkinson

It’s only been talked about for, gee, 10 years or so. There’s a lot to love in the games that “preceed” it. Both Shadow of Colossus and ICO have cult followings and I think that this new entry from the team will be just the same, not a huge hit but a unique experience that shouldn’t be missed. – Joey Hedrick

I am worried about this title. I want it to be good, I want it to amaze me, and be full of wonder and enchantment. I want it to be a Team Ico game, in all the best ways. But I am so scared that it won’t be. – Mathew Perkins

I want this to be good, but after in development for so long, I’ve kind of just lost interest. Fingers crossed it doesn’t fail. – Mitchell Townley

Space Hulk: Deathwing – Friday, December 9th (PC)

I can’t get enough of the Warhammer universe and I’m so glad there are so many games coming out that are of a pretty high quality. There are meant to be quite a few bugs at the moment but if E.Y.E. Divine Cybermancy is anything to go by then this will be a shitload of fun even with its imperfections, should they neglect to iron them out in the beta. – Joey Hedrick

Forza Horizon in the snow, sold, just take my money now please! – Peter Wilkinson

Guilty Gear Xrd -REVELATOR- – Tuesday, December 15th (PC)

While this expansion of Xrd has been out on PS4 and in arcades for a while it’s good to see that it’s finally arriving on PC. If they had of shipped it a bit sooner they might have been able to capitalise on the sour taste Street Fighter V left in a lot of mouths. I also need to build a hitbox. – Joey Hedrick

One of the characters uses doors and opens them in people’s faces as a special move. I have this on PS4, and really enjoy it. – Mathew Perkins

Don Bradman Cricket 2017 – Thursday, December 22nd (PS4, XBone)

Man, just in time for Christmas! In Case it is WAY too hot during the day for your yearly backyard game with the FamBam, you’ll at least be able to play a game on your console – Josh Perkins

The last Don Bradman cricket was so good and so well supports for all these years. I have played the PC demo of this on steam and I can confirm that the controllers are amazing. If you like cricket then this is a must buy and it is perfect timing with the summer of cricket getting into full swing. This will be one of my most played games over the Christmas and New year breaks. – Peter Wilkinson

One of the most boring sports in the world gets a videogame! Fuck, can’t wait to not play this one! – Mathew Perkins

The Movies

Underworld: Blood Wars – Thursday, December 1st

I really enjoyed the original Underworld movie, but felt that the subsequent releases just…weren’t as good. Hopefully this next (last?) installment won’t be the equivalent of kicking a dead horse – Josh Perkins

Office Christmas Party – Thursday, December 8th

Man, this movie looks hilarious. I have attended a few Christmas parties that got out of hand in my time, but I do not think I have attended anything THIS outrageous – Josh Perkins

What is this? Oh yeah, the biggest movie of the year. Enough said. – Peter Wilkinson

I haven’t really kept much of an eye on this but it’s not like you need to know a whole lot to be interested. Almost exactly a year on from Episode 7 seems to be just about the right time for a release as well. – Joey Hedrick

The prequel to Episode IV, as the first true standalone move in the Star Wars franchise I have high hopes for this move. But still more excited for Episode VIII next year. – Mitchell Townley

Doctor Who: The Return of Doctor Mysterio – Monday, December 26th

It’s Doctor Who, on the big screen! Just go see it! – Josh Perkins

Doctor Who Christmas special in all it’s glory at the Cinema… what could go wrong. – Mitchell Townley

So, here we are at the end of the year, and our last Outlook for 2016. It’s been one hell of a year, both in the industry and for Ultra Super Mega. We have some great plans for December, so make sure you keep your eye on your favourite social media platform for all of the news!

From all of us here at Ultra Super Mega, have a great holiday season.

We look forward to seeing you back here with us in January for a new year of Outlooks!

About The Author

A self-proclaimed casual gamer, nerd and collectibles hoarder, Josh lives with his wife and three kids (read: two dogs and a cat). He can generally be found in his natural habitat of Playstation, but is known to frequent Steam, Xbox and Nintendo as well.